A fullback is a defender playing in a wide position. The fullback position is one of the most evolving roles on the football field; thanks to modern football and coaching tactics, they now attack more than in earlier years. The days of Paolo Maldini, Zanetti, Roberto Carlos, and others are long gone due to tactical changes and football growth.
The current group of fullbacks can even play as wingers or attacking midfielders and are often seen going up and down the wings, attacking and defending simultaneously. We see this on a daily basis.
Here are the top 10 fullbacks in the world in 2024:
1. Dani Carvajal
One of the most hardworking players the football world has ever seen, versatile, skillful, decisive, technical, fast, and with leadership qualities. He did not get the recognition he deserved, but he’s definitely the best in his position.
He scored and won in the 2024 Champions League final for Real Madrid and played a crucial role in Spain’s European Championship final against England, stopping anything that came his way, which won Spain their Euro final. He is an absolute legend and one we should respect.
2. Trent Alexander-Arnold
Incredible passing ability and free-kick vision make him one of the best in the world. The 25-year-old has played in many positions, from fullback with Jurgen Klopp to midfielder with Southgate for the national team.
The right-back always delivers; he has the most assists as a right-back in Premier League history.
3. Achraf Hakimi
The Moroccan international has exceptional speed and an attacking mindset, with a remarkable ability to make overlapping runs and deliver crosses into the box.
One of his biggest attributes is his consistent performance at the highest level, with over 200 appearances for top-tier clubs like Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
His versatility and adaptability, capable of playing on both the right and left flanks, and even as a wingback or wide midfielder, have solidified his reputation as one of the world’s top fullbacks, known for his attacking flair, defensive solidity, and exceptional speed.
4. Kyle Walker
Exceptional pace and defensive skills make him a top-tier defender in the Premier League. Walker is a key player in Manchester City’s dominance, winning the Champions League, Premier League titles, FA Cups, and League Cups.
The 34-year-old has been named in the PFA Team of the Year three times.
He’s a regular starter for the English national team, featuring in the 2018 World Cup and the 2020 and 2024 European Championships.
He has exceptional endurance and work rate, often completing 90 minutes and playing multiple games in a week.
5. Alphonso Davies
One of the most exciting players to watch in the football world, Alphonso Davies combines incredible speed, technical skill, and versatility, making him a standout in his position.
Although primarily a left-back, Davies can play anywhere on the left flank and has even been deployed further up the field as a winger, showcasing his adaptability and tactical intelligence. His defensive capabilities are equally impressive. Davies is known for his ability to track back quickly, making crucial tackles and interceptions, often preventing dangerous counter-attacks.
Davies played a key role in Bayern Munich’s 2020 UEFA Champions League victory and is a leader in the Canadian national team.
6. Joshua Kimmich
Pep Guardiola is a key figure in Kimmich’s career, making him a top player in both right-back and defensive midfield positions. Kimmich’s ability to read the game allows him to intercept passes and disrupt the opposition’s play effectively.
The 29-year-old has shown remarkable leadership qualities. He often captains Bayern Munich and has become a vocal leader for both his club and the German national team.
7. Álex Grimaldo
One of the few players naturally built to play as wing-backs rather than traditional full-backs, Álex Grimaldo excels in both defensive and offensive aspects of the game. Grimaldo himself emphasizes that defending is the major priority for a wing-back or full-back.
His solid defensive skills and positional awareness make him a reliable figure in the backline. Playing for Bayer Leverkusen, Grimaldo has been a key reason for his team’s unbeaten Bundesliga campaign. His contributions on both ends of the pitch have been crucial to Leverkusen’s success.
In his first season at Leverkusen in 2023–24, Grimaldo finished as the top assist provider in the Bundesliga with an incredible 13 assists, highlighting his exceptional ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Despite being one of the best left wing-backs in world football, Grimaldo remains underrated.
8. Theo Hernández:
A standout left-back for AC Milan and the French national team, known for his speed, dribbling, and goalscoring ability, earning him a reputation as one of the best full-backs in the world. Hernandez has expressed that he sees himself more as a playmaker, aligning with the modern expectation for full-backs to be more attack-minded.
His vision and creativity on the ball help orchestrate play from the back, often initiating key offensive moves. In the 2021/22 season, Hernandez dribbled from his own half to score a wonder goal, which was named the best Serie A goal of the year.
9. Jules Koundé
Originally a center-back, Jules Koundé has successfully transitioned to playing as a right-back for both club and country, establishing himself as one of the best full-backs in the world. In Euro 2024, he was named the best right-back of the competition.
Koundé’s ability to switch from center-back to right-back and excel in both positions demonstrates his versatility and adaptability.
10. Joško Gvardiol
Originally a center-back, you might mistake Joško Gvardiol for an attacking player given his versatility and skill. Now playing as a full-back for Manchester City, Gvardiol has been a defensive linchpin for the Citizens, demonstrating exceptional adaptability and talent throughout the 2023/24 season.
Gvardiol excels not only as a traditional left-back but also as a center-back and even further up the field as a left-sided wing-back. His ability to transition seamlessly between these roles makes him a standout in modern football. During the 2023/24 season, Gvardiol’s performances were exceptional.
His impressive scoring form late in the season was crucial in helping Manchester City lift the EPL title, highlighting his significant impact on the team.
At just 22 years old, Gvardiol is already regarded as one of the best in his position. His combination of defensive solidity and offensive contributions makes him a valuable player for both club and country.
